Indirect Venting

Definition - What does Indirect Venting mean?

Indirect venting provides protection to the eyes of workers when they are exposed to chemical, dust, and heat hazards. When the eyes are not properly protected, workers will likely become the victim of eye penetration, burns, and abrasions.

Featured with a venting system, an indirect-vented goggle restricts direct straight-line passage from the eyewear to protect the eyes from any injuries.The ideal situations for wearing indirect-vented goggles are acid and chemical handling, firework, degreasing, and plating.

Safeopedia explains Indirect Venting

According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), every year, around 2,000 workers suffer from eye injuries and undergo medical treatments. The most common causes of eye injuries are chemicals splashes, dust particles, sharp tools, caustic liquids, flames, and falling objects from a higher position.

A large number of eye injury cases happen when workers come into direct contact with chemicals. These injuries occur due to inappropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). According to the Occupational Safety and Healthy Administration (OSHA), employers must ensure that workers use indirect-vented goggles to protect their eyes from any injuries. The type of eye protection equipment depends upon the hazards workers are dealing with. If workers have to deal with dust, they must wear side-shield goggles to deter dust from penetration. If workers have to deal with chemicals, they must wear indirect-vented goggles. If workers are to work in a highly radioactive environment, they must wear special-purpose safety glasses for eye protection.

Goggles create a protective seal around the eyes and keep any hazardous elements from hitting the eyes. A frame, ventilation system, and lens must be considered before using an indirect-vented goggle. Prescription lenses must be mounted behind the indirect-vented goggles so that workers have clear and accurate vision. Goggles with indirect ventilation allow proper air circulation to prevent fogging. These goggles prevent against chemical splashes and any other hazardous solutions.